The Hon. M.S. Uthumalebbe

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, after the last Parliamentary Election, 225 Members were elected. Unlike usual, the Opposition is much smaller and the Government much larger. People voted with great expectations. Many senior leaders on both sides lost while many newcomers were elected. We, as the Opposition, have supported good measures.

¶ 02 Notably, the speeches of our current Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake when he was in Opposition laid the foundation for this Government to come to power. Now that you govern, please protect the dignity of Opposition Members and meet their reasonable requests. Often Government Members do not understand; it is the Opposition that, in a democratic manner, must point out the right path in Parliament. Do not return to the old political culture and waste time in conflict—people expect a new political culture.

¶ 03 If there were wrongs in the past, bring them before the law and punish those responsible. But now focus on delivering for the people, together across both sides where possible.

¶ 04 The Eastern Province has significant cultivations of exportable food crops and contributes to many of the country’s essential agricultural products. Large-scale production exists in mango and other fruits, vegetables, cashew, spices, and aquaculture including ornamental fish. The Export Development Board must facilitate marketing and exports, not only in the East but across all nine Provinces, encouraging farmers to grow exportable crops. Provide subsidies and support to those engaged in such production to boost the economy.

¶ 05 Over 1,000 acres in the Eastern Province are under cashew cultivation, but cashew plantations are now declining. If the Minister encourages cultivators and ensures marketing, our economy will benefit. The East’s natural resources are unique—develop cashew exports. Ornamental fish growers also need support and subsidies as there is high export potential. In the Ampara District, especially in Maruthamunai, there is strong local demand for handloom products; provide value addition and export market awareness and support to entrepreneurs.

¶ 06 Enhance skills of provincial entrepreneurs. In Batticaloa District, palm-based handicrafts have quality but limited market access; address this. Fisheries is a major sector in the East; due to inadequate fish catches, we are importing fish and even consuming fish oil capsules. In Akkaraipattu, Alayadivembu, Thirukkovil, and Attalaichchenai areas, the Gal Oya scheme enabled double-cropping with high paddy yields on about 8,500 paddy allotments which are now submerged. As in Hambantota, we have sought cooperation of farmers there for coconut cultivation, vegetable cultivation, and aquaculture. I request the Hon. Irrigation Minister to focus on reclaiming those long-submerged lands and enable vegetable and fish production for export to strengthen the economy.

¶ 07 On local government elections, I raise another matter. Under the previous Government, during every Ramadan when we Muslims were fasting and engaged in religious duties, injustices occurred. At night during Ramadan, during prayers and supplications, racists harassed our people. Therefore, please do not hold any elections during the upcoming Ramadan. Also, do not hold the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination during the fasting period as students will be fasting and praying.

¶ 08 One more issue: in Kuchchaveli area of Trincomalee District, the Department of Archaeology has appropriated lands belonging to Muslims, causing fear for a month and protests. I submit documents to this House. While we must protect antiquities, the Department should not appropriate people’s lands, which creates ethnic tensions. I request the relevant Ministry to ensure an environment without ethnic tensions in our region. Thank you.